Hawks Don't Need Birdseed

Life in Florida

'Would you look at all the birds,'' said the man moments after he had finishing tossing some seeds into the yard.

''Coming, dear,'' answered his wife, as she set aside her novel and wandered over to watch for the thousandth time.

''I didn't mean to distract you, but there must be hundreds out there,'' said the man.

''Oh, I don't mind,'' said the woman. ''There's nothing more pleasant than flocks of birds in the yard. That's one of the best things about living in Florida - you're treated to a wide variety of birds year round.''

''Seems like a lot more pigeons than usual, though,'' said the man. ''Boy, those critters are gluttons. Look at them, fat as can be, still swallowing everything they get their beaks on.''

''Now, dear, you shouldn't complain about pigeons. After all, your favorite bird is a pigeon,'' said the woman.

''Yes, well, Pete has been coming around for some time now. He's my oldest and best customer. I can count on him just like clockwork,'' said the man.

''Oh my gosh,'' said the woman, suddenly startled. ''What's that falling from the sky?''

''A hawk!'' yelled the man. ''And it's heading for one of the pigeons. I've got to get out there . . . Aw, too late.''

''My gosh, he killed the pigeon,'' said the woman. ''I know that's nature's way, and it's common for hawks to attack pigeons, but it still disturbs me.''

''I just hope it wasn't Pete,'' said the man as he raced outside the house. ''I don't think so,'' said the woman to herself. ''I bet he's in his usual place near the orange trees and shrubs on the side of the house. He hasn't survived all this time without being wary of hawks.''

''Great news,'' said the man as he returned. ''Pete's out under an orange tree.''

''That's wonderful,'' said the woman. ''Now why don't you refill the birdbath and maybe put out some more seeds to calm them down.''

''OK,'' said the man. ''But this time I'm going to sit on the porch until the birds finish eating.''